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Let us put our experience to work for youSat, 01 Aug 2015 21:28:49 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.3Baltimore Washington Medical Center May Have Used Counterfeit or Defective Spinal Hardware in Some Patientshttp://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/08/01/baltimore-washington-medical-center-may-have-used-counterfeit-or-defective-spinal-hardware-in-some-patients/
http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/08/01/baltimore-washington-medical-center-may-have-used-counterfeit-or-defective-spinal-hardware-in-some-patients/#commentsSat, 01 Aug 2015 07:13:39 +0000http://www.plaxenadler.com/?p=3826The University of Maryland’s Baltimore Washington Medical Center is one of many hospitals throughout the country that may have inadvertently used hardware that was not approved by the FDA in surgical procedures. According to the Baltimore Sun, the now-closed Spinal Solutions, LLC may have sold the medical center fake devices to be used in spinal…

The University of Maryland’s Baltimore Washington Medical Center is one of many hospitals throughout the country that may have inadvertently used hardware that was not approved by the FDA in surgical procedures. According to the Baltimore Sun, the now-closed Spinal Solutions, LLC may have sold the medical center fake devices to be used in spinal fusion surgeries. This is not the first time the company has engaged in questionable behavior: “Spinal Solutions LLC… was cited in 2012 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for quality control problems. The following year, the company recalled parts used in lower spine fusions, specifically saying that some had been distributed in Maryland.”

The hospital has already sent out 250 letters to patients who may have been affected by the hardware. To date, no one appears to have responded to the letters. Multiple insurers throughout the country have brought a lawsuit against the hospitals that used these counterfeit parts and then overbilled the insurers for them. They also allege that doctors have accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for using Spinal Solutions’ products. Dr. Randy Davis, a spinal surgeon at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center, “is accused of accepting $458,962 in payments, largely in consulting fees. In return, the suit said, the hospital bought in excess of $1 million of implantable hardware from Spinal Solutions delivered by private aircraft,” as reported by the Sun.

Potential dangers of counterfeit hardware

The parts in question – screws and rods – are what allow surgeons to fuse discs together during the procedure. By today’s standards, the screws and rods should be made out of titanium, which is stronger and lasts longer. It appears that the false hardware was “insidiously co-mingled” with real hardware, and is made of stainless steel. If the products fail, it could take longer for a patient to heal, and there is a risk of the screws or rods dislodging. That means a patient would require a second surgery to fix the problem, leading to more pain and higher medical bills.

Thankfully, this type of fusion surgery is not done often, which limits the number of people it could affect. Those who are affected, however, might have to live with permanent effects from damage done by Spinal Solutions’ products.

If you underwent spinal fusion surgery at the University of Maryland’s Baltimore Washington Medical Center, you may be forced to have another surgery to correct a problem stemming from defective spinal hardware. We invite you to contact Plaxen & Adler, P.A. to learn more about your rights.

]]>http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/08/01/baltimore-washington-medical-center-may-have-used-counterfeit-or-defective-spinal-hardware-in-some-patients/feed/0Driver Fatigue Can Lead to Serious Car Accidentshttp://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/29/driver-fatigue-can-lead-to-serious-car-accidents/
http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/29/driver-fatigue-can-lead-to-serious-car-accidents/#commentsWed, 29 Jul 2015 14:41:24 +0000http://www.plaxenadler.com/?p=3821By now, most people are familiar with the dangers of distracted driving. Maryland has banned all hand-held cell phone use for calls or texting, and does not allow drivers with a permit or provisional license to use a hands-free device while driving, either. All drivers should also be aware of the dangers of driving while…

]]>By now, most people are familiar with the dangers of distracted driving. Maryland has banned all hand-held cell phone use for calls or texting, and does not allow drivers with a permit or provisional license to use a hands-free device while driving, either. All drivers should also be aware of the dangers of driving while intoxicated, which accounted for almost a third of all driving-related fatalities in Maryland in 2014.

What most people do not realize is how dangerous driving while fatigued can be. Fatigued drivers not only take their own lives in their hands, they put every other driver on the road at risk of an accident. A person who is too tired to drive has a slower reaction time and is less attentive to the road. Fatigue affects our ability to make quick decisions, which can be the difference between avoiding an accident and causing one. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsiness contributes to between 2.3% and 2.7% of all fatal traffic accidents.

Determining whether you are too tired to drive

Like many drunk drivers, drowsy drivers often do not realize they are too impaired to get behind the wheel. Truck drivers and people who travel for business are among the most likely to become fatigued behind the wheel, but young drivers, workers whose schedules have recently changed or are not set, and people with sleep disorders are also at risk. The National Sleep Foundation points out the warning signs of driver fatigue:

Excessive yawning or blinking

Being unable to remember what you have passed by, or being unable to account for how far you have gone

Missing on and off ramps, or missing turns for familiar streets

Feeling the sudden urge to open the window, or needing to turn up the volume on your car radio past a level you normally use

Drifting in and out of your lane

Trouble focusing on the road ahead

Hitting rumble strips

If you are experiencing or exhibiting any of these signs, you are likely too tired to be behind the wheel. Pull off to a safe spot – a designated rest area, or a side street with limited traffic – and nap for a while. If you can avoid driving at all by staying where you are or by calling a cab, that is the best option you have.

Avoiding an accident with a driver who is asleep behind the wheel can be difficult; in some cases, it may be impossible. If you or your loved one has been involved in a collision with a drowsy driver in Maryland, Plaxen & Adler, P.A. can help. We are proud to serve clients in Baltimore, Columbia and throughout the state.

]]>http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/29/driver-fatigue-can-lead-to-serious-car-accidents/feed/0Central Line Infections Are a Leading Cause of Preventable Death in Hospitalshttp://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/27/central-line-infections-are-a-leading-cause-of-preventable-death-in-hospitals/
http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/27/central-line-infections-are-a-leading-cause-of-preventable-death-in-hospitals/#commentsMon, 27 Jul 2015 13:46:59 +0000http://www.plaxenadler.com/?p=3818Each year, thousands of people die preventable deaths in US hospitals because of central line infections. They occur when a doctor inserts a central line catheter, so named because they run directly to the heart, into a patient without taking the proper precautions to stop the spread of an infection. Once the bacteria gets into…

Each year, thousands of people die preventable deaths in US hospitals because of central line infections. They occur when a doctor inserts a central line catheter, so named because they run directly to the heart, into a patient without taking the proper precautions to stop the spread of an infection. Once the bacteria gets into the central line, it can spread quickly throughout the blood, causing sepsis. Without immediate treatment, patients can die within a matter of days.

A history of treatment that begins in Baltimore

The number of central line infections has gone down over the years largely because of the work of a Baltimore doctor named Peter Pronovost, who serves as a critical care physician at Johns Hopkins. He started researching the problem in 2001, and discovered that the Centers for Disease Control had issued a 150 page document containing 90 different causes of central line infections. He and his team worked together to create a simple 5-step process to eliminate the risk:

Cover as much of the patient in sterile drapes as possible, and avoid inserting the catheter into the groin whenever you can

Use a chlorhexidine antiseptic solution to clean the area where the line will be inserted

Remove catheters when they are no longer necessary

Because nurses and doctors followed these steps (and reported any and all doctors and nurses who failed to do so) “central line infections at the Johns Hopkins University surgical intensive care unit fell by 50 percent within three months of initiating the checklist. By six months, they were down 70 percent.”

But despite these extraordinary results, central line infections are still prevalent. According to the CDC, 47 Maryland hospitals reported cases involving central line infections in 2013, the most recent year available. The numbers imply that Maryland is in better shape than the rest of the country, but “not all hospitals are required to report these infections,” according to the CDC – and there is no information about how many instances were reported at each hospital, how many of the infections proved fatal, or how many hospitals do not use central lines.

Central line catheters save a lot of lives, but negligent doctors can turn a life-saving procedure into a fatal one. That a leading cause of bloodstream infections can be prevented with simple and inexpensive steps means there is no excuse for not following the proper precautions; and doing so could save thousands of lives each year.

]]>http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/27/central-line-infections-are-a-leading-cause-of-preventable-death-in-hospitals/feed/0Avoid a Car Accident while You Ride Your Bike This Summerhttp://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/23/avoid-a-car-accident-while-you-ride-your-bike-this-summer/
http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/23/avoid-a-car-accident-while-you-ride-your-bike-this-summer/#commentsThu, 23 Jul 2015 17:46:19 +0000http://www.plaxenadler.com/?p=3813Summertime is the perfect time for bike rides. Whether you ride for exercise, race competitively, or simply enjoy spending a fun day with the family, bicycle safety should be in the forefront of your mind – especially because so many people will be on the roads on vacations or day trips this time of year.…

]]>Summertime is the perfect time for bike rides. Whether you ride for exercise, race competitively, or simply enjoy spending a fun day with the family, bicycle safety should be in the forefront of your mind – especially because so many people will be on the roads on vacations or day trips this time of year.

Bicycle accident statistics

The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration website displays a number of “fast facts” when it comes to bicycle accidents. According to their data: “Bicyclist crashes occur most frequently during warm weather months; more than 63% of all bicyclist accidents occur between the months of May to September.” On average, 617 people report injuries in bike crashes each year, and 7 will die as the result of an accident.

While some injuries and accidents may be caused by defective parts – Trek recalled nearly a million bicycles this year after an accident left a rider paralyzed – the majority of accidents and injuries are the result of crashes with other riders or with drivers. Some of the more common reasons include:

Failing to observe speed limits and road signs

Failing to obey traffic laws

Ignoring who has the right of way

Distracted drivers

Drunk drivers

Poor road conditions

Poor weather conditions

Failing to properly cross intersections

Failing to remain in a bike lane, when applicable

Riders who go out at night are at an even greater risk, because it can be difficult for drivers to see them, especially if the bike rider is not wearing reflective clothing or using a head light.

Proving liability

In Maryland, bicyclists must obey all traffic laws and signals that apply to vehicles, and under the law are treated the same as vehicles when it comes to who is at-fault for an accident. The easiest way to keep this in mind while riding your bike it to think like you are driving a vehicle, and follow the same rules of the road that you would if you were driving. If you are riding your bicycle and are involved in an accident with a vehicle, it will likely be considered your fault if you violated a rule of the road, such as not stopping at a stop sign before entering an intersection.

Bike riders in urban areas like Baltimore are at risk of a car crash; a skilled Maryland personal injury lawyer can help you protect yourself and your future after a collision. We invite you to contact Plaxen & Adler, P.A. to find out more about how we assist bike riders injured in a crash.

]]>http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/23/avoid-a-car-accident-while-you-ride-your-bike-this-summer/feed/0200,000 Hummers Recalled after Cars Burst into Flameshttp://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/21/200000-hummers-recalled-after-cars-burst-into-flames/
http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/21/200000-hummers-recalled-after-cars-burst-into-flames/#commentsTue, 21 Jul 2015 17:15:08 +0000http://www.plaxenadler.com/?p=3810General Motors has issued another recall, this time for the Hummer H3 models, after 42 incidents where the cars have erupted in flames. So far none of the fires have caused a crash, and there have been no fatalities, though three drivers have suffered minor burns. Auto Blog reports that “the connector module for the…

]]>General Motors has issued another recall, this time for the Hummer H3 models, after 42 incidents where the cars have erupted in flames. So far none of the fires have caused a crash, and there have been no fatalities, though three drivers have suffered minor burns. Auto Blog reports that “the connector module for the blower motor has, in certain cases, overheated, melted the surrounding plastic, and started a fire.” These modules are part of the ventilation systems which control heating and cooling. GM admits that in two of the three incidents which led to a driver being burned, the car was completely destroyed.

The 2006-10 H3 wagon and the 2009-10 H3T pickup are the only two models GM has issued a recall for, and the company has instructed dealers to replace the defective part.

GM’s history of recalls

This is not the first time GM has put people at risk. Reuters reports that 780,000 crossover SUVs are also being recalled “because their rear power lift gates could suddenly fall and hit people.” This particular recall includes:

Buick Enclaves, 2008-2012

Chevrolet Traverses, 2009-2012

GMC Acadias, 2007-2012

Saturn Outlooks, 2007-2010

In these cases, dirt gets into the gas struts which are responsible for holding up the gate, causing the power to fail. GM says there have 56 reported injuries so far. The recalls for the rear power lift gates and the ventilation problems follow on the heels of earlier recalls in 2015, where a number of makes and models experienced problems with their ignition switches.

Why dangerous cars make it onto the road

One of the questions our clients ask us after they have been injured by a defective auto part is how did such a dangerous car make it off the lot in the first place? It usually comes down to money. Giant manufacturers like GM have engineers who are paid to look into potential problems. If the chances are low (in the engineers’ eyes) that a problem could arise – meaning, they do not see a problem during the initial tests, but understand that the potential is there – then the cars will go out for sale. Once a problem becomes apparent, those same engineers weigh the potential for the problem to happen more than once against the cost of a recall. Anything considered a “one-off” is not enough to issue a recall.

Remember that you, as an individual, matter little to these giant manufacturers: they only care about their bottom lines. That is why it is crucial to work with a skilled personal injury and defective products litigation attorney if you have sustained an injury through no fault of your own. We invite you to contact Plaxen & Adler, P.A. to discuss your case. We are proud to serve clients in Columbia, Baltimore and throughout Maryland.

]]>http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/21/200000-hummers-recalled-after-cars-burst-into-flames/feed/0Common Reasons Health Insurance Claims Are Deniedhttp://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/18/common-reasons-health-insurance-claims-are-denied/
http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/18/common-reasons-health-insurance-claims-are-denied/#commentsSat, 18 Jul 2015 13:00:51 +0000http://www.plaxenadler.com/?p=3807When you are hurt in a car accident or slipping on an icy sidewalk, or if you become ill and need bloodwork and tests done to rule out certain conditions, you can submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement of your costs, based on what kind of insurance you have and how much…

]]>When you are hurt in a car accident or slipping on an icy sidewalk, or if you become ill and need bloodwork and tests done to rule out certain conditions, you can submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement of your costs, based on what kind of insurance you have and how much they pay for certain procedures. But a growing number of Americans are finding that their claims might not be covered by the very insurance plans they took out to protect themselves, or that their healthcare has some unexpected costs.

If your claim was denied, it could be because:

Your treatment was not medically necessary. At least, it was not deemed necessary by your insurer. If you receive Medicare or benefits through the Affordable Care Act, the rules and regulations of what is medically necessary and what is not may be even further blurred. If the insurance company decides you had a treatment or procedure that you did not need – in spite of the fact that your doctor clearly thought you did need it – your claim might be denied.

There was an error in the paperwork. Even a small error can cause big problems. If the paperwork is submitted incorrectly, if part of the application is wrong, if someone types in the wrong code – no matter the reason, mistakes in the paperwork can take a long time to correct and could lead to your claim being unpaid.

Your condition was pre-existing. When you purchase insurance, it is imperative that you read the fine print; if that fine print says no pre-existing conditions, your claim could be denied.

These reasons represent only a fraction of the excuses your insurance company might use to deny your claim. At Plaxen & Adler, P.A. we help people throughout Maryland get properly compensated from all types of insurance carriers. Please contact us to learn more about our services.

]]>http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/18/common-reasons-health-insurance-claims-are-denied/feed/0Are Dangerous Medications Better than No Medications?http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/16/are-dangerous-medications-better-than-no-medications/
http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/16/are-dangerous-medications-better-than-no-medications/#commentsThu, 16 Jul 2015 12:34:36 +0000http://www.plaxenadler.com/?p=3804It is well-documented that the diabetes drug Actos can cause life-threatening side effects, primarily bladder cancer, in certain patients. This is reason alone for many doctors to stop prescribing the drug, and for informed patients to ask for another brand of medication. But what about the people in this country who cannot afford diabetes medication…

]]>It is well-documented that the diabetes drug Actos can cause life-threatening side effects, primarily bladder cancer, in certain patients. This is reason alone for many doctors to stop prescribing the drug, and for informed patients to ask for another brand of medication. But what about the people in this country who cannot afford diabetes medication because they are uninsured? Is taking Actos a better option than taking nothing at all?

At the 2015 American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) conference this year, Mary Boyle, FNP-BC, CDE, a nurse practitioner at the Mayo Clinic, presented on that very topic. Her findings, as summarized in Clinical Advisor, were that the “use of older, recombinant insulin may be a reasonable alternative to managing diabetes when patients cannot afford contemporary insulin analog therapy.”

In her presentation, Ms. Boyle admits that Actos would not have been her first choice of medication for the patient in her study, who had a past history of heart problems; but if the alternative is no medication, Ms. Boyle believes that with careful monitoring, Actos and older drugs like it are viable alternatives. Actos could potentially kill you, but doing nothing to control your diabetes poses a far greater risk.

The high cost of medicine

Despite the best efforts of the Obama Administration’s Affordable Care Act, there are still millions of people in this country without health care or access to the types of treatments they need to survive. The skyrocketing costs of prescriptions drugs pays a significant role in how well we can manage our health. The patient in Ms. Boyle’s report was originally prescribed “Lantus vials and Novolog pens,” which cost $574 a month, and the patient’s yearly a deductible was $1,500. This left him unable to pay for his medication after only a few months. In comparison, the older medications of Novolin N and Novolin R are a mere $25 per vial, and a 3-month supply of Actos is only $10.

Prescription pharmaceuticals is a multi-billion dollar industry, and the extraordinary price tags on medication allows them to remain so. It is frustrating and tragic that the uninsured or underinsured in this country must make do with medications known to have potentially fatal side effects or go without the drugs they need. Ms. Boyle’s opinion sides with the lesser of two evils, but that does not make it any easier to hear.

]]>http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/16/are-dangerous-medications-better-than-no-medications/feed/0Tragic Accident at Boat Race Leaves Four Victims in its Wakehttp://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/14/tragic-accident-at-boat-race-leaves-four-victims-in-its-wake/
http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/14/tragic-accident-at-boat-race-leaves-four-victims-in-its-wake/#commentsTue, 14 Jul 2015 12:13:53 +0000http://www.plaxenadler.com/?p=3797You cannot turn on the news or open a paper without seeing the smiling face of Julianne Rosela, a beautiful and vivacious young girl whose life was taken so suddenly at the Thunder on the Narrows races in Kent Narrows. She was killed when a racing boat crashed into a row of spectator boats. The…

You cannot turn on the news or open a paper without seeing the smiling face of Julianne Rosela, a beautiful and vivacious young girl whose life was taken so suddenly at the Thunder on the Narrows races in Kent Narrows. She was killed when a racing boat crashed into a row of spectator boats. The Coast guard has also identified two Chester residents and one woman from Stevensville – Robbie Root, Michelle Thomas and Jennifer Browning, respectively – who suffered serious injuries because of the crash.

Though no information has come forth about what caused the crash, the Baltimore Sun reports that one spectator claims she heard the engine “cut out” before the crash occurred. The Coast Guard and Maryland Natural Resources Police are collaborating on the investigation into the crash.

Avoiding water-related injuries

This tragic incident is a reminder that we all must take precautions for our own safety around motor vehicles and in the water. Even when the right safety precautions are in place, you can be seriously injured. If you plan on spending any time in or near the water this summer, always:

Be on the lookout for other boats, and maintain a safe distance at all times

Ensure that your children wear a life preserver while on a boat and know how to at least “doggie paddle” or tread water, in case they are thrown overboard or fall into water

Keep your cell phone charged in case you need to call 9-1-1

Swim in areas that are in view of lifeguards, and never swim out anywhere alone

Avoid diving off of rocks, piers or the side of a boat or a pool where the water is anything less than 8 feet deep

Check that your boat’s motor is in proper working condition, and that there are flotation devices on hand in the event of a crash

It appears that all safety precautions were taken by the event organizers, but the above precautions would not have saved the life of Julianne Rosela. What should have been a wonderful day at the races for families turned into tragedy in the blink of an eye. Our hearts go out to Julianne’s family, and to the families and loved ones of those who were hurt in the crash. It is a terrible story to contemplate. All of us at Plaxen & Adler, P.A. hope that the investigation reveals something that may give these families even a little bit of peace.

]]>http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/14/tragic-accident-at-boat-race-leaves-four-victims-in-its-wake/feed/0Separating the Fact from the Fiction with Traumatic Brain Injurieshttp://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/11/separating-the-fact-from-the-fiction-with-traumatic-brain-injuries/
http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/11/separating-the-fact-from-the-fiction-with-traumatic-brain-injuries/#commentsSat, 11 Jul 2015 11:25:32 +0000http://www.plaxenadler.com/?p=3792There are many misconceptions about traumatic brain injuries. While any blow to the head poses some danger, a traumatic brain injury can have far-reaching effects on how a person functions after the injury. In a recent post on Task & Purpose, U.S. Army Reserve officer Pamela Holtz, a doctoral student of Clinical Psychology at the…

]]>There are many misconceptions about traumatic brain injuries. While any blow to the head poses some danger, a traumatic brain injury can have far-reaching effects on how a person functions after the injury. In a recent post on Task & Purpose, U.S. Army Reserve officer Pamela Holtz, a doctoral student of Clinical Psychology at the University of North Texas, outlined myths surrounding TBIs so that returning soldiers and their families could understand exactly what kind of injuries those service members might have.

While civilians do not face the same scenarios as combat veterans, her report is beneficial to anyone who has suffered a TBI, either through a fall, while playing a contact sport, after a car accident, or any myriad ways you might suffer a brain injury. Some myths include:

You cannot have a TBI without loss of consciousness. A person does not need to lose consciousness to suffer a traumatic brain injury. As defined by the Mayo Clinic, a “traumatic brain injury occurs when an external mechanical force causes brain dysfunction.” Whether or not you stay conscious plays no part in diagnosing the injury itself.

If there is no bleeding, you do not have to worry about having a TBI. Open head wounds, or penetrating head wounds, will cause a TBI will present with bleeding, but closed head wounds may not. Brain damage or swelling can occur even if you do not bleed.

Mild TBIs are not that debilitating. The term “mild TBI” is a bit misleading, because all TBIs are serious. As Ms. Holtz puts it, “TBIs, including mild TBIs, can have subtle, but long-lasting and pervasive consequences for neurological and psychological functioning. This means that a TBI can have cognitive and social consequences, ranging in severity. Some effects of the TBI can be coped with easier than others, which may continue to have a very real impact on the individual’s life for a long time.”

Recovery from TBI is a straightforward, quick process. As with any injury, the rate at which a person heals is not clearly defined. Medical science discovers something new about the brain every day, it seems, so it may be impossible to quantify just how long it will take to heal. Furthermore, how quickly a person seeks and receives treatment could play a part in how long it takes for a person to recover, though in some catastrophic cases a person may never recover.

Individuals with TBI can no longer work, or would at least require lots of expensive accommodations. This may or may not be true. Again, it depends on the patient and the severity of his or her wounds, as well as the ability of the doctors to quickly and correctly treat the injury. Some people who have suffered TBIs recover and go on to live long and productive working lives; others are rendered unable to work, either temporarily or permanently.

A traumatic brain injury can have short-term, long-term or permanent effects on the person who is hurt. It can and almost certainly will affect the people in the victim’s life as well. Seeking treatment quickly could be your best shot at a full recovery after you have been hurt through an act of medical negligence, in a devastating accident or in the service of our country.

Plaxen & Adler, P.A. is one of Maryland’s premier personal injury and medical malpractice law firms. We invite you to contact us with your questions if you suffered a traumatic brain injury.

]]>http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/11/separating-the-fact-from-the-fiction-with-traumatic-brain-injuries/feed/0Motor Vehicle Accidents Are More Likely During Summer Weekendshttp://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/09/motor-vehicle-accidents-are-more-likely-during-summer-weekends/
http://www.plaxenadler.com/2015/07/09/motor-vehicle-accidents-are-more-likely-during-summer-weekends/#commentsThu, 09 Jul 2015 15:34:42 +0000http://www.plaxenadler.com/?p=3788The number of people in Maryland who travel in the summer is higher than other seasons. The following is good advice for the entire year, but especially for hot crowded summer weekends. If you are one of this year’s summer travelers, there are a few things you can do to help keep you safe on…

]]>The number of people in Maryland who travel in the summer is higher than other seasons.

The following is good advice for the entire year, but especially for hot crowded summer weekends. If you are one of this year’s summer travelers, there are a few things you can do to help keep you safe on the road, and decrease your chance of getting into a car accident:

Turn your phone off. Unless your phone is also your GPS, or you work in emergency services, there is little reason for your phone to be on while you are driving. Turn it off and put it away so you will not be distracted while driving.

Turn your GPS volume up. Instead of watching your GPS while you drive, turn the volume up so you can hear directions clearly. Keep your eyes on the road, not on the map. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, pull over to the side of the road in a safe place and view the map there.

Keep your tire pressure where it should be. Low pressure and over-filled tires are both dangerous – especially if the weather is poor. Thunderstorms are common in the summer, so make sure your tires are filled correctly.

Wear sunglasses. Sun glare can limit your visibility while you are driving. Wearing sunglasses can help make it easier for you to see.

Get plenty of sleep. Fatigued drivers are dangerous – almost as dangerous as drunk drivers. Make sure to get plenty of rest. If you need to pull over to nap, find a designated rest stop to do so. If napping is out of the question, pull into a safe place and walk around a bit. Drink plenty of water, too.

Do not drive drunk. A cold brew at a BBQ sounds like fun, but the police will be out in force this weekend. Drunk driving led to 141 deaths last year, according to MADD. Call a cab, ask a designated driver for a lift or stay put instead of getting behind the wheel while your impulses and reaction times are delayed.

With so many cars traveling the roads in Maryland, the chances are good that you will be driving near someone who is not being as attentive to the roads as he or she should be. Stay alert while you are driving, report any erratic behavior you notice, and take is slowly: better to have a longer drive but get there unharmed.